Instagram this week began rolling out an update to its service that removes the forced 1:1 aspect ratio being applied to every photo uploaded to the service. This limited aspect ratio often was frustrating for users who go to great lengths to frame a shot only to have Instagram crop out the most important elements when it applied its square format.
Going forward, the service will support both portrait and landscape orientations, allowing you to post a full-sized version of your photo.
Instagram added support for the new orientations in the latest version of the app, so you’ll have to install version 7.5 before you can begin using the new orientations. Once you have installed the update, simply open Instagram from your home screen and follow the instructions below to learn how to use these new orientations.
Note: If you don’t see the full-size icon right away, keep checking back as Instagram apparently is rolling out the feature slowly to users.
How to share photos and videos in both portrait and landscape orientation on Instagram
- Open Instagram by tapping the icon on your Home screen.
- Tap on the “Open Camera” button in the bottom navigation bar.
- Select the photo or video you want to upload or take a new one using the camera.
- Tap on the full-size button overlay at the bottom left of the photo (You also can pinch and zoom out to select a portrait or landscape version).
- Touch the screen to move the photo and adjust how it fits within the frame if necessary.
- Tap Next to apply effects, filters or captions to your photo before you upload it to the service.
When you are done with your modifications, Instagram will upload the photo to its service using either a portrait or landscape orientation. The service will pick the appropriate orientation based on qualities of the photo you have selected. Not only will you be able to upload your photos in full-size mode, you also will be able to view portrait or landscape photos shared by others.
Are you an Instagram user? What do you think of these changes? Are you excited to see your photos and those of your friends in their intended aspect ratios? Let us know in the comments.
